Saturday, January 19, 2008

Having a blissful Saturday morning, sipping tea, knitting, and watching Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Workshop DVD (a.k.a. geeking out BIG TIME according to DH). Oh how I wish EZ was my nana. She is such a delight to watch and listen to. Not to mention the genius of her knitting! I hope I'm as elegant and delighful as she was when I reach a ripe old age.

Befittingly, I'm working on what is surely an EZ-inspired design. The ever-popular Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. It's been said a million times, but what joy knitting in the round is! Especially when you're using a sunny, juicy shade of mmmmmmaaaaaaaalllllllaaaaaaaabbriiiiiiigoooooooooooooo!!! I'm almost done and can't wait to show it to you.

Speaking of inspiration and EZ, have you all seen brooklyntweed's latest masterpiece? The Elizabeth Zimmerman Pi shawl (or in this case, blanket). Me wanna, bad!

So, now, onto the blogiversary contest winners. Having a contest was really fun, especially hearing from all you lurky-loos out there. I had no idea that so many people read my blog. I wish I had a prize for each and every one of you.

Monday, January 14, 2008

It's hard to believe that it was a year ago today that I embarked on this delightful blogging journey.

It's been so much fun sharing my knitting adventures with you. I have met so many lovely people (virtually and in person) through this blog, and have enjoyed getting to know all of you. My heartfelt thanks to all who've taken the time to read my little ramblings. And thank you for brightening my day with your sweet, thoughtful, funny comments.

I've chosen Fleece Artist and Koigu not just because they're favourites of mine, but because they're hand-crafted by skilled fiber artists, they're made by independent producers, and they're Canadian. Since there seems to be much discussion lately about the merits of variegated vs. semi-solid colourways, I decided to offer both.

Leave me a comment letting me know which you prefer and I'll pick 2 winners at random on Friday. Don't be shy, even if you haven't commented before. I'd love to hear from you.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Whoa, is it already mid-January? High time I take my Christmas tree post "down" (the actual tree was promptly dissasembled January 1st. Nothing more depressing than a Christmas tree that's overstayed its welcome).

It's been a busy holiday season, and despite the merriment, I'm glad to be on the other side of it. All in all we had fun, especially on our semi-traditional January trip to NYC. Yes, I had just gone in December, but that was for work, and I didn't have my "chou" with me.

So DH and I spent a week braving the cold, cold streets of the big apple, taking in as much as we could. Unfortunately, we had camnesia for most of the trip, but here are some brief highlights:

We spent a full day at the Museum of Modern Art where we saw some incredible exhibits, including this wonderful sculptor, Martin Puryear. Using natural materials such as tree trunks, reeds, string etc. he creates beautifully poetic works. It really pleased my eye.

But the main highlight for me at MoMA was the Lucien Freud exhibition (no pics allowed, boo). It was mainly an etchings installation, but happily, it did feature a great number of his beautiful paintings too. His sense of colour, the way he really "sees" his subject, his manner of applying paint, it all made me swoon.

At the Whitney, we saw an incredibly moving exhibition by Kara Walker. Very difficult to see, but in my view, extremely important and brilliant work.

On a much lighter note, the Whitney has Alexander Calder's Circus, and it's a total delight, especially viewing it alongside a video of the artist in performance.

Art followed us around everywhere, even in our hotel room. We stayed at the Gershwin Hotel, which I recommend. It's clean, quiet, very affordable and in a great location. Original works of art grace the halls, the elevator, and the rooms. Unfortunately we had this guy staring at us all night long.

A bit distressing to have Picasshole giving us the stink-eye (P. was a brilliant artist, but not the nicest guy, hence our little nickname "Picasshole")

If you're wondering how we can afford to travel to NYC on a regular basis, the right-hand side of the picture should give you a clue. We only eat 1 restaurant meal a day. For breakfast, we pick up fresh fruit and yogurt at a grocery store. For lunch, we make peanut butter sandwiches and eat them on the go. For diner we indulge and have fantastic food at great restaurants like this, this and this.

Speaking of food, if you're in NYC and hungry for a real treat, get off the beaten path and make your way to the best doughtnuts in the whole wide world. Be sure to try the Blackout and the Tres Leche.Mmm.... doughnuts.....

Last, but not least, the obligatory coco shot at Purl. But believe it or not, I didn't buy ANY yarn on this trip. Yes, I know, I know, that's crazy talk. But my stash has hit maximum overload, so I was a good girl and just contented myself with fondling the goods this time.

A great way to ring in 2008. I hope your year brings you great things too.